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Molybdenite
The primary source of molybdenum is molybdenite, which is a mineral compound of molybdenum disulfide. It appears as bluish-black flakes in columnar or massive crystals. Molybdenite has a layered structure which makes it possible for the mineral to be cleaved easily along particular planes. Molybdenite is primarily used in the production of molybdenum metal and molybdenum alloys, which have refractory and high-strength properties.
Trozite
Occasionally known as molybdite, trozite is a rare mineral that contains molybdenum. It consists of molybdenum oxide (MoO3). Troostite is also sometimes found in oxidized deposits that contain molybdenum. Other times, it can be found separately from molybdenite deposits. Troostite is primarily an academic interest because of its high purity molybdenum content.
Lead Molybdate
This is a mineral compound that consists of lead molybdate (PbMoO4). Lead molybdate features a yellow or orange color, though upon weathering, it could appear brownish. This mineral can be found in hydrothermal veins and often associates with galena and other lead-bearing minerals. Lead molybdate is of limited use because of lead toxicity. Nonetheless, it is still used in research and as a collector in molybdenum flotation.
Quartz
Quartz is the most abundant mineral on Earth. It is comprised of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Molybdenum quartz veins are considered ideal sources of molybdenum because they can be rich in other minerals like galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, or scheelite. Molybdenum-bearing quartz veins may be exploited by miners in some cases if they contain economically viable concentrations of molybdenum.
Ferro molybdenite
Ferro molybdenite is a rare variety of molybdenite that partially contains iron within its layered structure. The presence of iron in molybdenite slightly changes its properties and possibly enlarges its temperature stability compared to pure molybdenite. Molybdenite with iron is usually observed in high-temperature hydrothermal deposits.
Molybdenum Disulfide Structure
Molybdenite features a layered crystal structure. This property allows it to be cleaved easily along certain planes, enabling it to have unique uses in lubricants and the metallurgy industry.
High Melting Point
Molybdenum has a very high melting point, which makes it ideal for usage in high-temperature applications. This is such as aerospace components, electric contacts, and foundry tools. Molybdenum can sustain extreme temperatures without warping or losing strength.
Corrosion Resistance
Molybdenum is very resistant to corrosion, especially in high-temperature environments containing acidic compounds like sulfuric acid. This makes it ideal for chemical processing equipment that is used in hostile environments.
Strong and Durable
Molybdenum is extremely strong even though it is malleable and ductile. This enables the metal to be shaped or stretched into wires without breaking. Molybdenum compounds and alloys are very useful in applications that require mechanical toughness, which is such as filaments for light bulbs, high-strength cables, and automotive parts.
Electron Configurations
Molybdenum possesses atomic number 42. It has an electron configuration of Kr 4d5. This unique electron configuration accounts for molybdenum's variable oxidation states and electron affinity. This property also makes it useful for catalysis and in electronics.
High Thermal Conductivity
Molybdenum has high thermal conductivity, allowing it to transfer heat quickly. This makes molybdenum ideal for heat exchangers, aerospace applications, and electrical contacts. In these applications, efficient heat dissipation is crucial.
Industrial Applications
Molybdenum is extensively used in industries to create steel and alloys. Adding small amounts of molybdenum to steel increases the strength, hardness, and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. This makes molybdenum steel ideal for aerospace components, turbine blades, and high-pressure vessels. Molybdenum can also be used in nickel alloys to be utilized in jet engines and chemical processing equipment.
Lubricants
Molybdenum disulfide is commonly used as a dry lubricant because of its layered structure. This makes it ideal for reducing friction in metallic surfaces under extreme temperatures and pressures. Molybdenum is therefore ideal for use in the aerospace industry.
Electronics and Filaments
Molybdenum is highly valued for its electrical conductivity and emission properties, especially in filaments for vacuum tubes and transistors. Molybdenum filaments are also used in light bulbs for stable performance at high temperatures. Furthermore, due to its durability and heat dissipation, it is ideal for electrical contacts in the automotive and electronic industries.
Chemical and Mineral Processing
Molybdenum has a high resistance to corrosion and is ideal for chemical reaction vessels, heat exchangers, and pipes that process acidic solutions. Molybdenum is also used as a catalyst in oil refineries to convert crude oil into useful products. This is because it promotes reactions without becoming consumed.
Agriculture and Plant Fertilizers
Molybdenum is a vital micronutrient for plant growth, though needed in trace amounts. Molybdenum fertilizers provide the essential nutrient to crops, boosting their growth and improving plant health, increasing agricultural yields. Molybdenum is used in monitoring molybdenum levels in soil and plants.
Medical Applications
Molybdenum isotopes are employed in medicine for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatments. Molybdenum-99 is a radioactive isotope that produces technetium-99m. This is a tracer used in medical scans to detect diseases. Molybdenum is also used in X-ray tubes for efficient heat dissipation.
Store in a Cool, Dry Environment
Molybdenum minerals should be stored in a cool and dry environment to avoid any possible oxidation or moisture-related issues. The temperature conditions should be stable and ideally low to prevent any degradation.
Proper Segregation
Molybdenum minerals ought to be segregated from reactive minerals or minerals with high moisture content to avoid contamination. Minerals that have high sulfur content, such as pyrite should also be stored away from molybdenum to avoid tarnishing or damaging molybdenum.
Maintain Adequate Air Circulation
Storing molybdenum in open spaces with good air circulation can help prevent moisture buildup and oxidation in molybdenum minerals. Proper ventilation reduces the likelihood of mold or other moisture-induced contaminants forming on or near the minerals.
Monitoring
Regular monitoring of the molybdenum minerals' storage conditions is necessary to ensure that temperature, humidity, and mineral integrity are not in any way affected. Check for signs of deterioration, contamination, or pest infestation.
Separating Molybdenum and Non-Molybdenum Minerals
If the mineral molybdenum is still in its raw form, it should be kept and stored separately from other minerals that have high metal content like pyrite or minerals that are magnetite. This prevents the mixing of ores during the mining process.
Protect from Physical Damage
Handle molybdenum ore with care to prevent cracking, breaking, or chipping. This is due to the fact that physical impact can damage the mineral's crystal structure, which in turn affects its chemical properties.
Keep Away from Chemicals
Avoid direct contact between molybdenum minerals and strong acids, bases, or other harsh chemicals, as these substances can damage the mineral's surface and alter its chemical composition. Store molybdenum minerals in containers that protect them from exposure to chemical agents.
A1: Molybdenite is the most important mineral for molybdenum extraction and production. Molybdenite has a remarkable molybdenum content, which is approximately 60% molybdenum by weight. It also occurs abundantly in nature, making it easier to mine and process for molybdenum extraction.
A2: Molybdenum should be stored in a cool, dry environment due to its affinity for moisture and heat. Exposure to humid conditions leads to the formation of molybdenum oxide. This eventually causes the metal to corrode over time. High temperatures lead to the metal's oxidation. Moderate temperatures prolong molybdenum's storage life.
A3: Molybdenum is mainly used to make alloys and stainless steel. Often added to steel to enhance its strength, resistance to wear and tear, and ability to withstand high temperatures. Molybdenum is also used in chemical processes to manufacture high-performance industrial components.
A4: Yes, molybdenum is classified as a transition metal. It belongs to Group 6 of the transition metals in the d-block of the periodic table because of its unique physical and chemical properties. Such properties include the formation of multiple oxidation states.
